#I Just Love Pony Music When It Feels Like an Encapsulation of the Character or Concept and VP Just Feels Too Disconnected for That to Me

[mumpsetc]

I, Like Every Brony in the Modern Day It Seems, Really Like Vylet Pony But IMO Her Work Lacks That Same Punch Shit Like Cats Millionaire or SGaP Had. It's Not That Its More Fandom Based, Plenty of SGaP and Cats Millie Was That Too But It Just Feels More Disconnected From the Characters AND Specific Fandom Interpretations, It's Too General to Really Hook Me the Same Way

[beetrootbug]

🌟Narcissist, Affectionately~ Sally Starlet Playlist🌟

So I mainly see Wally Darling playlists, I haven't seen many for any of the other characters, sooooo, I decided to take a stab at it!

I characterise Sally as someone who is playfully and jokingly egotistical to cover up their insecurities, so I chose songs accordingly. If anyone finds any songs they think fit the vibe, feel free to add to the list!

I'll give some explanation for each song (sorry if the formatting is funky and I got a little tired towards the end)

Smile Song from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic- The first song I though of when coming up with the playlist was this one. Sally seems like the sort to be aggressively friendly, essentially shoving herself in your face until you accept her friendship. I also just this is a cute cheery song and I like to imagine Sally singing it to the other neighbors (I also feel like this song could work for Julie)

Popular from Wicked- There will be a few songs from musicals in this list, mainly because she loves putting on shows. I can also imagine her singing this song and it fits the "affectionate narcissist" theme.

2econd 2ight 2eer by Will Wood- I love the vibe of this song, it's so silly and upbeat, it has so much character. I think it encapsulates the idea of someone being aware that they are being full of themself but playing it off as a joke. It has a really playful chaotic vibes. I can picture Sally singing and dancing along to this song, unaware of the disturbance she's causing.

She Wolf by Shakira (sped up)- I think the sped up version works best here, because it is a lot more upbeat and fits the vibe better. Sally seems like the sort to have a empowering playlist on stand by to hype herself up when she needs it, and I figured this would be one of the songs. It's less narcissistic and more of just a confident song, but it still fits. She probably wouldn't know what the actual meaning of the song is, but oh well.

What the World Needs from Ride the Cyclone The Musical- This song is certainly one of the meaner ones. This is certainly the most narcissistic, but it is also very playful (musically at least). I don't think Sally would ever say these things to anyone, but she definitely would listen to this song and probably jokes about how she relates to the song. It certainly fits the vibe, it's really fun and I quite like this song.

Oh No! by Marina & the diamonds- I think this song, as well as musically fitting the vibe, fits lyrically with me characterising Sally as being insecure. It fits with the concept of Sally wanting to be loved and considered the "brightest star". She literally fell to Earth just to get admiration from it's inhabitances because she wanted to be the best. I think the line "'Cause, I feel like I'm the worst So I always act like I'm the best" fits with this theme.

Born This Way by Lady Gaga- this song would also be on Sally's hypothetical hype playlist. Honestly, I feel like this song doesn't need much explanation, it's pretty self explanatory. It fits the vibe and it's a really fun song (that I honestly haven't listen to in a while)

You and Me (But Mostly Me) from The Book Of Mormon- This one was also one of the first songs I thought of. Like 'What the World Needs', Sally wouldn't actually believe the things said in the song, but she would joke about it. Also, the ARG has religious undertones so there's that. I know this is a duet, but I don't know who would sing this with her. Maybe it's us, the viewer?

You're Nothing Without Me from City of Angels- I think Sally would like listening to this song. She probably tries to convince the other neighbors to perform it with her (that would be a fun animatic). I love this song, and just like 'Born This way' I don't think it needs a lot of explaining.

Are You Satisfied? by Marina & the diamonds- The reasoning for this one is similar to the reasoning for 'Oh No!'. I think this song encapsulates the concept better than 'Oh No!' but that could just be me.

Eighth Wonder by Lemon Demon- I think song fits best remembering that this is an ARG. It fits the vibe of being playfully narcissistic, but in a creepier, cryptid kinda way. I love the vibe of this song so much, it's just so much fun to listen to and boogie along to.

Never Getting Rid of Me from Waitress- I like to think Sally sung this after she crashed into the town. This song mainly fits from a musical stand point, I also think that Sally would probably listen to this song and sing along to it. Lyrically it doesn't fit as much, but it's also a song about not giving up and persevering (in a kinda annoying way). In the context of the song, it's kinda messed up, but broadly, it fits.

All Eyes On Me by OR3O- (Lmao, not the batim songs! /j /lh) This song is honestly very different from the other songs, but again in, one, the context of an ARG and, two, the context of my assumptions of Sally's characterisation, this song fits with the idea of her insecurities in relation to her stardom. This song is literally about being overshadowed by someone else. Considering canonically Wally is the main character of sorts, I can imagine Sally could feel some sort of jealousy (I don't think she does, but I feel like this would make a really interesting AU). You might have to squint to see it, but I feel like it fits the theme and vibe.

Michael in The Bathroom from Be More Chill- This song is also very different from the other songs. I think song would be really cool as an animatic. I think it fits with the insecurity characterisation. Sally's whole thing is wanting to be heard and loved by others (or at least that's how I interpreted it as, I could be wrong) so her being completely overlooked by her friends and feeling forgotten or ignored would really upset her (I mean it would upset anyone really, but this would play into her insecurities). I dunno man, I also just like this song. (for those who haven't heard the song, be careful, it briefly references suicide)

The Main Character by Will Wood- Need I say more? It's literally about being convinced the world revolves around you. Like 'You and Me (But Mostly Me)' and 'What the World Needs', she wouldn't believe what the song is saying, but would joke about it. I feel like it would also fit alongside 'All Eyes On Me' and work with that AU.

Honorable mention: I wanted to add 'Everybody Loves Me' by One Republic, but I felt the musical vibe of the song was way off, but the lyrics fit.

anyways, sorry for explaining everything, but I just really felt I needed to explain my reasoning.

[entity437]

music i heard in april 2023 that was notable (accidental brony edition)

(i went on a spree of going through top brony music lists and the pony music archive, so here we are)

a really quite sweet (and catchy) song about both enjoying youth and the desire to grow up to see what you become. I especially love the synth just before the final chorus which just has such a powerful feeling of triumph and understanding; like everything has finally clicked.

while the original choral version still holds up today, I feel this stripped back version to be more appropriate for the subject of immortality: a life becomes more introspective with time. furthermore, the more simple vocal and guitar arrangement lend the song a cozy lullaby-like quality which is especially potent when framed by the mlp fandom. the original came out 9 years ago, with the fandom arguably at its largest and most energetic, then this version came out a year after the last episode of the show and the last bronycon. the song then now serves as a melancholic reflection on the goodtimes past, and an acceptance that the community will never truly disappear.

a deeply cerebral rendition of the bats song, playing out like an internal debate between the cold and logical (applejack), and the kind and empathetic (fluttershy) parts of the mind. this imagery is greatly assisted by the sparse and ethereal instrumental which provides a solid ambient groove. the vocals also sound somewhat robotic or uncanny, making everyone sound exceptionally serious and pointed with their statements.

for this song i adore the vocals and the caracterisation they provide. It begins tame, like lyra is talking about something taboo, though she quickly grows too excited to care about this. as the listener seemingly shows a level of interest in the topic, lyra quickly reels you into their world by selling you on the advantages and achievements of humanity in comparison to the pony world. lyra then begins just throwing facts, fiction, and justifications for humanity wildly at you, becoming so empassioned by anthropology that she denounces her ponyhood to the world for the hopes of experiencing even a slice of the human experience. so uhh, a perfect encapsulation of my experiences with ancient history.

possibly my favourite chrysalis song so far, with the vocal effect for the lead singer working great for the (relatively) alien but regal queen, the choir embodying the power, numbers, and dedication of the hive, and the grandiose orchestral hip-hop instrumental putting the changelings into an imposing opposition for the more conventional sound of the ponys. Additionally, the instrumental switches between more positive (0:35), conspiring (1:04), and fiersome (3:02) tones repeatedly, making the song effectively depict chrysalis regrouping the changelings, briefing them on those they face, and rallying their strength, confidence, and morale before their next battle.

similarly cerebral as was BATS!, however rather taking a confidence in it's conflict than idly basking in the theory of conflict. This is due to how the characters are presented, with Chrysalis's confident "this day IS going to be perfect" overpowering the "this day WAS going to be perfect" and further dispirited statements of the crestfallen Cadence. Where the tables are turned however is the instrumental, with it's piano making clear the situation's generally unclear outcome, but with the chiptune synth raising the possibility that things may sway against Chrysalis's plan. The triumph of Cadence is then foreshadowered by the synthy piano growing in volume and the natural piano disappearing, reflecting uncertainty has turned in the favour of the true princess. although, doubt can always surface even when confident as is shown by the natural piano closing the song.

[asgardian--angels]

Calling All LOTR fans! Why aren’t you on LOTRO yet??

Hey everyone! It’s Molly here - aka, Sauron’s #1 fan lmao. 

Now, we’re a big fandom, between LOTR and the Hobbit and the Silm, there’s millions of us out there, and thousands on Tumblr! And we’re always looking for new ways to experience and interact with Tolkien’s legendarium. Plus, many of us have an overlapping interest in gaming, of any sort. But even if you don’t - read on, I implore you! 

There’s an incredibly awesome free MMORPG out there, one that I’ve been playing for years. It’s called LOTRO - Lord of the Rings Online - and it’s gotta be my absolute favorite interpretation of Middle-Earth ever. 

For those not aware, an MMORPG is a massively multiplayer online roleplaying game, basically an open world PC game that has thousands of other users you can interact with within the confines of the game’s universe. And in this case, that’s Middle-Earth! 

Everything you know and love about Tolkien’s world is brought to life in stunning thoughtful detail, from the rolling hills of the Shire to the eaves of Fangorn and beyond. You become an integral part of the story of Middle-Earth, assisting the Fellowship both directly and in the littler ways that count most of all - staving off the forces of darkness by doing good deeds and helping the folk of Eriador, Rhovanion, and Gondor. Everything you do ripples outwards to influence the fate of Arda itself! Without you, there would be no hope for the Fellowship to succeed in its dire quest. Traveling from land to land, you become beloved and treasured as a hero by all the free peoples of Middle-Earth, royal and common folk alike. While you may start out small, soon your path will bring you to the feet of great lords and kings, and onto the very doorstep of Mordor itself, where the Dark Lord awaits. Fight the fell beasts of Sauron, skip through the Old Forest with Tom Bombadil, and ride your warsteed across the vast open plains of Rohan - the world is yours to explore, and to save, if you can. Middle-Earth depends on you.

I truly can’t overstate how much I love LOTRO. I’ve been playing for five years now and I am just as much in love with it as the day I first started. It’s always a little dicey, as a Tolkien fan, especially if you’re a highly devoted one, trying to judge and decide if an interpretation of his work will enhance your experience or ruin it - you just want to see justice done by him and everything he stood for. Trust me, I’m like that too (there’s no need to talk about a certain upcoming Amazon series...). So believe me when I tell you that the spirit of Tolkien comes alive in this game. The creators, writers, and designers of LOTRO have put so much thought and care, and heart, into staying true to Tolkien’s vision and messages. Great attention and care is paid with respect to accuracy to the lore and languages Tolkien created as well, something that cements the authenticity of LOTRO for diehard fans. You just feel good playing it (and honestly, I feel like it’s helped my self-esteem?? Those little virtual hobbits are so grateful for everything you do). Warm fuzzies all around. With a fair helping of angst, can’t forget that. Not all stories can have happy endings, but with your help, a whole lot of them can. 

So... maybe you’ve read this far, and are a teensy bit interested? Or at least intrigued. This is a chance to expand the world of Tolkien to something you can actually immerse yourself in, be a part of, explore like never before! Wander the cobblestone streets of Bree, smell the pipe-smoke in the Prancing Pony, feel the chill winds of the icy wastes of Forochel upon your face. Do you have the guts to face the Witch-King himself? 

LOTRO has so much to offer! Whether you are interested from a gaming perspective, or a story perspective, it’s endless fun. Before LOTRO I’d never played an MMO, and I certainly would not consider myself a gamer. I came from a love of Middle-Earth, and came for a chance to see that story brought to life. So don’t count it out if you think you’re not up for some hardcore gaming lifestyle - this game has the pace that you set for it. Whether you join a social kinship and roleplay, a raid group to do skirmishes, or go it alone and fish the day away, the possibilities are endless. 

Plus, I feel like it’s worth stating that the scenery in LOTRO is astoundingly beautiful. It’s not uncommon for my friends and I to ride around just for the view. And you know what else? The music, guys. Just, the music. LOTRO has been blessed these many years with composer Chance Thomas, who has crafted some of the best soundtracks I’ve ever heard - comparable to those of the Lord of the Rings films themselves. He truly encapsulates the emotions, the grandeur, the coziness, the uneasiness, the dread and the joy, of every corner of Middle-Earth. (It’s so well-loved by players that TWO official soundtracks were even put out, and I play them in my car all the time, ngl. Check out one of the Rohan tracks here!)

So, for the nitty gritty that you may be wondering about! This is a great time to join LOTRO. Over the years, the game has grown tremendously, adding more regions of Middle-Earth to quest in, building more storylines, and expanding the characters you can have, the clothes you can wear, and the activities you can do! Currently, you can play several races - Man, Dwarf, Elf, High Elf, Hobbit, and Beorning - as well as a wide variety of classes - hunter, lore-master, rune-keeper, burglar, champion, minstrel, captain, guardian, and warden- each with their own unique stories and abilities. Multiple characters can be created for free on one account. There’s a wide customization capability for characters and cosmetic items, for housing, steeds, emotes, pets, and more. That’s part of what makes LOTRO so fun! Most expansions can be purchased in-game using points earned by completing deeds, making LOTRO affordable and FTP (free to play) for a large proportion of its content. Additionally, we have an incredibly thorough and comprehensive Wiki-style website for all LOTRO-related information. This is an incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming community.

...Did I add that there’s maiar in the game too? If you have a keen eye you’ll spot them.

Molly why are really you making this post?

Now, earlier I mentioned kinships. Traveling Middle-Earth can often be more fun with others, and having friends can help you learn the game and offer advice and insight. They can be roleplay partners, band members (yes, you can play instruments in the game!), or just buddies to talk to. Many LOTRO players are in kinships, and each is different, depending on what you want to get out of the experience. You can find a kinship within the game, or on social media - in fact, I found my kinship, the one I’ve been in all these years, right here on Tumblr! I want to extend that hand in friendship to potential new players that are in the position I was all those years ago. 

Our humble kinship is called Dwarrowdam. You may recall this is the name for a lady-dwarf! While many of our members are dwarrowdams, that is by no means a prerequisite. We welcome players of all races and classes. Dwarrowdam is a casual social kinship, where we enjoy helping others out, from learning the ropes to festival activities, deeding, raids, concerts, and much more. We host weekly kin nights, where we get together and have fun for a couple of hours. This kinship has been going almost since the start of LOTRO itself, and we are eager to meet new people! A few of our higher-ranking members have had to depart after many years, due to real life commitments, and we hope to build our ranks again. We all thoroughly enjoy mentoring new players, myself included. Dwarrowdam would be a great choice for kinship for any player just starting out, or a continuing player looking for a relaxed social atmosphere as part of their gameplay experience! We are located on the Landroval server, which itself is known for its friendliness and its roleplay opportunities. It is our hope that gaining a solid handful of new, active members will allow our kinship to return to its former glory. Kinships can fizzle out and dissolve if too many players leave, and that is the last thing we want to happen to Dwarrowdam. It’s been like a home for me and many others, and I believe we can restore it.

I am an officer in the Dwarrowdam kinship, along with Badari and Daerhovan. We strongly encourage you to contact us with any questions you might have, about the kinship or LOTRO itself, or if you would like to join Dwarrowdam. 

Anyone who loves Tolkien and Middle-Earth should give LOTRO a try. For me, finding it was like filling a hole in my life I never knew existed. It’s thrilling, peaceful, emotional, hopeful, all in one - basically, everything that the stories we know and love already are, but brought to life in front of us. I’d like to think that if you tried it, you’d love it as much as I do. And if you’re in need of a kinship, please consider Dwarrowdam. 

And besides, look at Gandalf and his bushy eyebrows. You can’t say no to that.